ALAC has been as open source and royalty free as flac since 2011. Apple just designed it. Added bonus if you, like me have an iPod ALAC goes on it nicely where as FLAC doesn't, though if you use a different player or none at all that won't matter.

Ditto ... I use iTunes for managing my iPod so I've basically defaulted to ALAC especially since pretty much all software music players now support it. I simply use iTunes to organize my music and create playlists which I then play in my favorite player - Foobar. Actually I'm experimenting with JRiver right now (for the what-th time). I still get pissed because JRiver can't do a simple thing like random shuffle a playlist by album during playback - I mean C'mon! Other than that I'm finding JRiver greatly improved, both in terms of interface and sound.

Don't wanna poke that hornet's nest - but audio software does sound different in nuance. For example with exactly the same set up and chain - using ASIO as the output for all - I can still detect differences in nuance between say Foobar, JRiver, and AIMP. JRiver edges Foobar just slightly. If you can't hear differences leave your smoking torches outside the moat .. he, he ..

- IT JUST WORKS! no clicks,pops,crashes wtvr... I've had that with Foobar when seeking through a song.

I can't detect sound differences to Foobar. I am aware there may be a hint of new toy syndrome, but look forward to what others think. And yes the looks resemble Winamp.

This was with the latest 3.50 Beta 2.

Hint: Just make sure you set it up taking the volume to 100% and going to Preferences -> Sound Effects > Disable all the effects/fade non-sense. I also didn't care for the Information Bar when a new song is starting. To disable it: Preferences > Plugins > Information Bar > Untick

- IT JUST WORKS! no clicks,pops,crashes wtvr... I've had that with Foobar when seeking through a song.

I can't detect sound differences to Foobar. I am aware there may be a hint of new toy syndrome, but look forward to what others think. And yes the looks resemble Winamp.

This was with the latest 3.50 Beta 2.

Hint: Just make sure you set it up taking the volume to 100% and going to Preferences -> Sound Effects > Disable all the effects/fade non-sense. I also didn't care for the Information Bar when a new song is starting. To disable it: Preferences > Plugins > Information Bar > Untick

+1. I think AIMP3 sounds better than Foobar, and the online radio browser it´s just great !

Don't wanna poke that hornet's nest - but audio software does sound different in nuance.

+1

I've used Fidelia on my MacBook Pro for a while now and like it a lot. It isn't perfect - particularly the functions to create play lists - but is does sound better than iTunes on its own, and sound is the most important consideration for me. I'm currently auditioning Amara too but the jury is still out. However, YMMV.

I don't use iTunes as it doesn't natively support FLAC. And please don't tell me it does. It doesn't. Anything I've got to convert to play is not natively. I drop two iTunes in the toilet every morning.

I am particularly interested in the Mac version for a house-wide networked system.

I finally jumped onto the "pay to play" JRiver boat-wagon. I have tried it over the years and it has really improved by leaps and bounds. I really like the cool theater view when I want to play tunes via speakers away from my desk. Sound is fantastic and customizable. Not sure how the Mac version compares but you can try the full program for a month before committing. I'm using mine simply as a standalone, so haven't explored networking aspects. Check the Jriver forum for ideas; the forum is somewhat sparse so you may have to leave some questions.

I'm just getting my feet wet with this 'hi-fi' stuff and as a linux user this suggestion is appreciated. Currently using banshee and it seems okay, are there any features that I should look for in a player as far as sound quality goes? I just placed an order for Grado SR80is and that will be my first 'real' headphones (as in that didn't come from the bargain-bin).

Just kind of stumbled on this thread but thanks to whoever suggested JRiver. Just downloaded and installed it and I am loving it. Awesome program, has every feature I wanted and then some. Yeah it's not free but I think it is well worth the asking price all things considered.